New Google leak reveals powerful Pixel 8a features with AI camera

According to a new report, Google's upcoming Pixel 8a will offer powerful AI camera features as well as guaranteed security updates for seven years.

May 1st Update Below – This article was originally published on April 30th

Many of the Pixel 8a's features have already been leaked, but thanks to four recently leaked promotional images, we now know even more about Google's upcoming mid-range smartphone.

As recently reported by Android HeadlinesThe Pixel 8a is expected to have a selection of powerful photography-based features thanks to what Google calls the “AI-mazing” camera. This includes Pixel favorites like Night Sight, Best Take, and the Pixel 8 series exclusive Audio Magic Eraser.

The images also promote some of the Pixel 8a's AI features, including call monitoring with Call Assist, automatic email summaries, and the recently introduced “Circle to Search” feature, which lets you perform web searches by selecting anything on the screen Circle the displayed item.

The report continues to confirm previous leaks, such as Google's own Tensor G3 processor, the same chipset found in the current Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and a requirement for some of the most powerful AI-based features from Google. It's also expected to see a slight increase in battery capacity and a more significant increase in charging speed, which according to leaked retail packaging is expected to be around 27W – up from 18W on the current Pixel 7a.

The leaked images also show that the Pixel 8a offers the same IP67 dust and water protection as the Pixel 7a and has seven years of security updates with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

Google's ill-fated VPN from Google One is also listed for the Pixel 8a. The service is scheduled to end for most users by June 10, 2024. However, Google has stated that the VPN service will remain available on the “Pixel 7 and above.” “It’s good to see that this will also include the Pixel 8a.”

Notably, the report doesn't mention Google's on-device AI model Gemini Nano, which was initially only available on the Pixel 8 Pro but was later expanded to the regular Pixel 8. With Tensor G3 under the hood, the Pixel 8a could technically be capable of running Gemini Nano. However, it remains to be seen whether Google will enable the feature on the cheaper model.

With the Pixel 8a expected to launch for $500 to $550, Google needs to differentiate the product from the oft-discounted Pixel 8, which currently retails for $549. We expect to find out when the device is officially unveiled on May 14 at Google's annual Google I/O developer conference.

April 30 Update – Pixel 8a is expected to match the launch price of Pixel 7a

Fears of an increased launch price for the Pixel 8a may have been unfounded, according to new information OnLeaks in a current one Smartprix Report and covered by Forbes staff Janhoi McGregor. According to the report, the entry-level 128GB Pixel 8a will retail at the same price of $499 as the Pixel 7a at launch.

However, Google is also expected to launch a new 256GB Pixel 8a variant at a higher price of $559 – $10 more than the current price of the 128GB Pixel 8. This leaves potential Pixel customers with a difficult choice between the higher-spec Pixel 8 or a newer Pixel 8a but with double the storage.

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